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West Central Area senior Claire Stark (19 points, 12 rebounds) reached 1,000 career points on Saturday as the lady Knights overcame a 13 point deficit and rallied to beat Minnewaska Area, 74-59, in the opening round of the Section 3AA North Girls Basketball Tournament. Stark's milestone point tied the game at 55-55 and sparked a 15-2 run by WCA that led them to the win.
Macy Grosz led all scorers with 22 points, while adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Freshman Nora Anderson contributed 10 points, all in the last six minutes of the game, and also had 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Mya Foslien finished with 9 points, 9 rebounds and 3 helpers.
Eighteen first half turnovers by West Central Area enabled the Lakers to build a 42-30 halftime lead, however, WCA cut their turnover numbers in half in the second half and held a commanding 34-15 second half advantage on the boards which gave them 53 rebounds to 35 for Minnewaska Area. Addison Staples (9 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) and Jayden Styba (7 rebounds) were both factors on the boards throughout the night.
The Knights hit six second half 3's and defensively they held the Lakers to just 5 field goals in the final 18 minutes.
Lauren Ankeny led the Lakers with 17 points, making 9-of-14 free throws. Sydney Dahl added 14 points.
The lady Knights will now face Montevideo on Tuesday at 7:30pm in Willmar.